Although tensions with North Korea were discussed on Sunday, there was no mention of it in a joint statement issued on Monday.
China is the biggest trading partner of both Japan and South Korea.
The three leaders also signed a trilateral investment agreement, which is seen as a stepping stone to a free-trade zone.
However as with other free-trade agreements between countries, this one could still face long negotiations and trade barriers, observers say.
Trade boost The agreement on free trade talks was reached on Sunday.
"The establishment of a free-trade area will unleash the economic vitality of our region and give a strong boost to economic integration in East Asia," said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.
He also said the pact would help the nations at a time of rising trade protectionism.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said economic co-operation was essential to maintaining the Asia-Pacific region as the growth centre of the world economy.
Trade between the three countries reached $690bn in 2011, up from only $130bn in 1999, according to a Chinese government report. continue Reading
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